Can I use another fish instead of branzino for this recipe?

Absolutely! While branzino has a delicate texture and mild flavor that work wonderfully here, other whole white fish like sea bass, snapper, or trout can be excellent substitutes. Just adjust roasting time based on the size and thickness of the fish.

How do I know when the branzino is fully cooked?

Look for flaky, opaque flesh that easily separates with a fork. The skin will turn golden and crispy. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 145°F. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender.

Can I prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the lemon butter sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just warm it gently before drizzling over the fish so it melts back to a smooth sauce without separating.

Oven Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter

Name: Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 whole branzino fish (about 1 ¼ pounds each, scaled and cleaned); 1 lemon (thinly sliced); Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling); 1 stick salted butter (4 oz); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small onion (chopped); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon parsley or chives (freshly chopped); Table salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Description

This Branzino recipe features whole, scaled, and cleaned fish roasted to perfection with a luscious lemon butter sauce. Simple yet elegant, it combines fresh garlic, onion, lemon juice, and herbs to create a vibrant and flavorful dish that is perfect for a gourmet dinner in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Branzino Fish

3 whole branzino fish (about 1 ¼ pounds each, scaled and cleaned)
1 lemon (thinly sliced)
Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Lemon Butter Sauce

1 stick salted butter (4 oz)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (chopped)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon parsley or chives (freshly chopped)
Table salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and position the oven rack in the lower middle position to ensure even cooking of the fish.
Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley or chives. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Prepare the Fish: Rinse the branzino fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the cavity and outside of each fish with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stuff the cavity of each fish with a few lemon slices for added flavor.
Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the branzino on a baking dish or roasting pan. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the fish and layer additional lemon slices on top if desired.
Roast the Fish: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast the fish for 15 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Remove the fish from the oven and spoon the lemon butter sauce evenly over each fish. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Ensure the fish is thoroughly scaled and cleaned before cooking for the best texture and taste.
Use fresh lemon juice and herbs to maximize flavor in the lemon butter sauce.
Do not overcook the branzino; 15 minutes at 425°F is ideal for 1 ¼ pound fish to keep it moist and tender.
For an extra crispy skin, you can broil the fish for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of roasting, watching carefully to avoid burning.
If you prefer, substitute parsley with chives for a slightly different herbal note in the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 127 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 82 mg
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0.4 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 22.5 g
Cholesterol: 27 mg